The Thai Bangkaew Dog is an average-sized dexterous and intelligent breed that came to existence in Thailand more than a hundred years ago. It is praised by local population of this country for its faithful and affectionate nature and primarily plays a role of a canine companion. Nonetheless the breeds’ number is rather scarce outside its homeland and this situation isn’t about to change in the nearest future.

History

The Thai Bangkaew Dog was called after the area where it was initially created, notably the Bangkaew settlement located in the Bang Rakan District in Thailand’s central region province of Phitsanulok. It’s said that the breed owes its appearance to the third Abbot of Wat Bangkaew Monastery, Luang Poo Mak Metharee. He was a great lover of various animals and one day he was granted with an indigenous black-coated Thai bitch. An old legend asserts that later on this dog was interbred with a jackal or a dhole and gave birth to the litter of long-haired black and chocolate puppies.

These first members of the Thai Bangkaew Dog found favour amoung local villagers as excellent pets. Soon another Thai folk, the Song, took up residence close to the Bangkaew settlement. These people were cattle-farmers so they were always accompanied by their herding canines. The inhabitants of two villages run a trading business with each other and their four-legged friends repeatedly met and were crossed. These mating finally resulted into appearance of the Thai Bangkaew Dog in its modern form. Gradually it became a highly popular pet of the houseboat residents of the Yom River. Thanks to the isolated location of this area the gene pool of this breed didn’t experience any influence of canine varieties from other Thai villages.

Unfortunately the vogue for the Thai Bangkaew Dog died away in its native land and by the early 80s of the XX century it was faced with the threat of total extinction. Moreover crossbreeding catastrophically reduced the pure-blooded population of this breed. Several breed fanciers from the Chum Saeng Song Karm community and Dr. Nisit Tangtrakarnpong, a veterinarian from Phitsanulok province, initiated the project «Bang Kaew Khuen Thin» («Bangkaew Goes Home»). The object of this project was the recovery of the Thai Bangkaew Dog’s number in Thailand and it was fully implemented. Nowadays the breed is perceived as the part of cultural heritage in Phitsanulok province and has numerous following throughout its homeland.

Temperament

The Thai Bangkaew Dog possesses disposition of a classical canine companion but it’s rather a primitive breed and therefore needs very careful and early socialisation. Its master must become an undisputable boss for this dog otherwise it will certainly try to establish its own rules in the house. In general the breed is ok with children who don’t tease or roughhouse it too much. Nonetheless too small kids may irritate this canine by their chaotic movements so their interaction with the dog should be closely monitored by parents.

The Thai Bangkaew Dog always remains on the look-out in the company of strangers. Of course it can be trained to tolerate unfamiliar people and will never assault without any serious cause. For more than a century this dog was used as a property guardian so it has developed a great talent for this job. Its permanent vigilance and strong territorial instinct also make it a very effective watcher.

As a rule the Thai Bangkaew Dog is ungracious with other dogs, especially of the same sex. It’s better to keep this dog as an only pet since it also doesn’t get along with non-canine animals. In its homelands it frequently serves as a hunting companion. That’s why the breed likes chasing street cats and other creatures and must always wear a solid leash while being walked. It’s possible to keep this dog together with other domestic animals (including cats) but be prepared to put enough time and efforts in their mutual socialisation.

Health Problems

The most common problems for the breed include:

· dermoid sinus cyst;

· canine hip dysplasia;

· patellar luxation;

· cancer;

· liver disease;

· chronic ear infection;

· eye problems;

· cryptorchidism.

Grooming

The Thai Bangkaew Dog needs very basic grooming. Its dense fine coat should be brushed only one or two times a week in order to stay free of tangles and dead hair. Moreover this breed will never require any professional care. It should be bathed as rarely as possible because water may wash off natural skin oils from its fur.

Regular nail trimming and teeth brushing are also essential for good overall health of this dog. Remember that your Thai Bangkaew Dog is prone to suffer from serious ear infections so make sure to thoroughly inspect and clean its ears at least on a weekly basis.

Training

The Thai Bangkaew Dog is an opinionated and dominant dog whose training usually demands professional approach. The handler must establish confidential relations with this dog from the very first lesson otherwise he has zero chances to succeed in this task. The breed also tends to ignore commands of a meek or inconsistent person so you must become confident and strong pack leader for your pet.

Rough treatment will only worsen the Thai Bangkaew Dogs’ natural propensity to wilful behaviour but if its interest is stimulated by the dog’s favourite food it will learn most quickly and eagerly. Anyway don’t expect from your pet complete obedience and make allowance for its occasional pranks.

Exercise

As an energetic and smart breed, the Thai Bangkaew Dog should receive lots of opportunities for physical and mental exercise. Several long daily walks and regular playtime in a well-fenced yard can ensure its proper manners indoors. This breed is fond of digging and won’t miss a chance to make multiple holes in your beloved flowerbed. In some cases this habit can be eliminated by obedience training but mostly you will have to put up with this natural propensity of your pet.

Remember that a bored dog is always a destructive dog and devote sufficient attention to physical activity of your Thai Bangkaew Dog.